Kohl's is trying to stabilize its business after a prolonged stretch of declining sales and mounting macroeconomic pressure. The retailer says its fiscal first-quarter results show its strongest comparable sales performance in four years, even as revenue continues to edge lower.
Highlights
- Kohl's first-quarter net sales declined 1.7% to $3 billion while comparable sales fell 1.1%, beating LSEG estimates of $2.99 billion.
- The company reported a narrower net loss of $14 million (13 cents per share) versus last year's $15 million loss (13 cents), outpacing analyst expectations of a 19-cent loss.
- Kohl's reaffirmed full-year guidance for net sales and comparable sales to range from down 2% to flat, with adjusted EPS guidance of $1 to $1.60, driving shares up over 8% premarket.
First-quarter results and outlook
According to CNBC, Kohl's said in a statement that its net sales fell 1.7% in the fiscal first quarter, while comparable sales declined 1.1%, an improvement from the 2.8% drop reported in the prior quarter.For the period ended May 2, the retailer posts a net loss of $14 million, or 13 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $15 million, or 13 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue declines to $3 billion from $3.05 billion, but the company still comes in ahead of Wall Street expectations compiled by LSEG for revenue of $2.99 billion and a loss of 19 cents per share.
Kohl's also reaffirms its full-year guidance, expecting net sales and comparable sales to range from down 2% to flat. It continues to project adjusted earnings per share of $1 to $1.60.
Turnaround pressure and market reaction
Chief Executive Michael Bender says the company is pleased with its start to 2026, adding that key initiatives are driving gradual improvement across the business. He says stronger expense management, cleaner inventories and an improved balance sheet are supporting the turnaround effort.Investors respond positively to the earnings update, with Kohl's shares rising more than 8% in premarket trading Thursday. The reaction comes after the stock had fallen more than 35% this year through Wednesday's market close, reflecting persistent investor concern over weak sales trends and the broader consumer environment.
Our earlier coverage of Dollar Tree’s raised fiscal 2026 profit outlook highlighted how higher living costs are pushing shoppers toward cheaper everyday essentials, helping discount retailers sustain demand. We noted the company credited store upgrades and cost-cutting with supporting improved guidance, while emphasizing the outlook reflected underlying operations rather than one-off items like tariff refunds.
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